Arrests made in Grant Hill double homicide after victims found with three toddlers nearby in vehicle

Two adults found dead near 27th Street and Imperial Avenue

San Diego police have arrested two 25-year-olds in connection with the fatal shooting of a man and a woman discovered in the Grant Hill neighborhood early Monday, January 19, 2026. Officers responding to a report shortly after 12:30 a.m. found the victims in the street near 27th Street and Imperial Avenue, and investigators later recovered shell casings at the scene.

Police identified the victims as Ruben Chavez, 31, and Evelyn Virgen, 28, both San Diego residents. Authorities have described the deaths as homicidal and said they do not believe the case is a murder-suicide.

Three children found unharmed in a nearby vehicle

During the initial response, officers located three children inside a vehicle parked near where the victims were found. All three children were under the age of 2, appeared unharmed, and were taken into protective custody. Investigators later determined Virgen was the children’s mother and said the vehicle was registered to her.

Investigators cite an “ongoing dispute” involving two couples

Homicide detectives said the case involves two couples with a history of conflict. Investigators identified the suspects as Ramses “Rex” Morales, 25, and Princess Perez, 25. Police said Chavez and Virgen had been involved in an ongoing dispute with Perez and Morales.

Detectives said Morales and Perez were in the area when the shooting occurred, but left before officers arrived. The investigation continued through the day as detectives processed the scene and searched for witnesses.

Detention at San Ysidro Port of Entry and murder charges

Police said Morales and Perez traveled to Mexico after the killings. On Monday morning, January 19, at about 10:05 a.m., the pair were located at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and detained by federal agents as they attempted to re-enter the United States.

Following processing and interviews with homicide detectives, authorities said both were booked on two counts of murder. Morales was booked into San Diego County Jail and Perez was booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility.

What remains unknown

Authorities have not publicly detailed a motive beyond the reported dispute, nor have they released information on a suspected weapon or additional circumstances surrounding the confrontation. The criminal charges are allegations, and the case is expected to proceed through the court system.

• Location: Grant Hill neighborhood, near 27th Street and Imperial Avenue
• Victims: Ruben Chavez, 31; Evelyn Virgen, 28
• Suspects charged: Ramses “Rex” Morales, 25; Princess Perez, 25
• Children: three toddlers, unharmed, placed in protective custody

Anyone with information about the case has been asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit or San Diego County Crime Stoppers.